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6 Crazy Ways You’re Exhausting Yourself (And How To Stop)

Some of our behaviors and thought-processes could be mentally and physically exhausting us, and we may not even be aware of what they are. Check out the following crazy ways some of our habits could be depleting our energy levels and the great ways to turn it around.

1. Your Desk Is A Mess

If your desk is a mess, it could be mentally exhausting you. It can impair your ability to focus and limit your brain’s ability to process information, according to a study performed by Princeton University. A good rule of thumb is to organize your desk at the end of the day so that when you come in the next morning you start your day on a positive note. If your office is super disorganized, start organizing in small increments so that you’re not overwhelming yourself. Start cleaning up what is visible, then you can move on to your drawers and cabinets.

2. You Work When You’re On Vacation

Checking your work emails when you’re supposed to be on vacation can definitely deplete your energy. Only when you truly take a break and unwind can you go back to the office rejuvenated and ready to work. Taking breaks allows you to be more creative and productive.

3. You Have Red Wine Before Bed

Alcohol depresses the central nervous system and can have a sedative effect, says Allen Towfigh, MD, medical director of New York Neurology & Sleep Medicine, P.C., in New York City. “But it ultimately sabotages sleep maintenance.” If you’ve ever noticed that you wake up in the wee hours of the morning after a night of drinking then you have experienced alcohols negative sleep effects first hand. This happens because alcohol creates a rebound effect when it metabolizes in your system, creating a surge of adrenaline. Dr. Towfigh recommends you stop drinking three to four hours before bedtime.

4. You’re Checking Your Emails At Bedtime

If you’re checking your work emails at bedtime, the glare on your computer screen or smart phone could be keeping you up. This is because the light can throw off your body’s circadian rhythm by subduing the hormone melatonin, which affects your quality of sleep. Sensitivity to these screen’s glows varies from person to person but a good rule of thumb is to turn off all technological devices one to two hours before you go to bed, suggests Allen Towfigh, MD, medical director of New York Neurology & Sleep Medicine, P.C., in New York City. If you just can’t avoid checking your emails before bedtime, hold your screen at least 14 inches from your face to avoid hindering your sleep cycle.

5. You Rely On Caffeine

Although consuming up to three cups of coffee a day can be considered good for you, any more and you could be hurting your health and hindering your sleep. Caffeine actually blocks adenosine, a side effect of active cells that drives you to sleep. Drinking coffee even six hours before bedtime can disrupt your sleep, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. So try to stop drinking it come mid-afternoon.

6. You Stay Up Late On The Weekends

Many of us are guilty of going to bed super late on Saturday night, sleeping in on Sunday and then having difficulty falling asleep on Sunday night. Since many of us don’t want to give up our late night outings, we can just make sure to wake up at a reasonable time Sunday morning and take a power nap of about 20 minutes Sunday afternoon. This short nap allows your body to rejuvenate itself without going into a deep sleep, making you even more tired when you wake.

Remember to consult your physician or chiropractor before taking any health advice.

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This article is made available for general, entertainment and educational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of The Joint Corp (or its franchisees and affiliates). You should always seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.

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